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David Benavidez’s 2026 Hitlist

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 2:42 AM ET

WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) is targeting fights against Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol if he beats Anthony Yarde in his next fight.

Benavidez is set to defend his WBC belt on November 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Mexican Monster became the champion after Dmitry Bivol chose to vacate his WBC belt after becoming undisputed by beating Beterbiev in their rematch in February, rather than face Benavidez who was the WBC mandatory.

Benavidez had also been chasing Canelo Alvarez at 168 for undisputed. Despite being the WBC interim super middleweight champion for over two years, he never got the fight. Benavidez has also ruled out a return to 168 to face the current undisputed champion Terence Crawford.

A bout with Bivol offers him the chance to be undisputed at 175, while Beterbiev is a big name. If he cannot get those two fights, Benavidez is open to moving up to cruiserweight to face the WBA and WBO champion Zurdo Ramirez.

“What else is there for me left? In my opinion, a fight with Beterbiev or Bivol is next .The fights that I want are Beterbiev and Bivol just because I want to challenge myself. I want to be the best without a doubt. If I can’t get that, then my plan is to get a fight against Zurdo Ramirez at cruiserweight. I’ve been held back because these other fighters don’t want to give me an opportunity, because they know what’s going to happen,” Benavidez said

The Match-Ups

A fight with Bivol offers a direct route to undisputed champion status. Benavidez’s aggressive, volume-punching style has been his key to victory at 168 pounds, forcing opponents into uncomfortable exchanges. Benavidez would have to prove he can apply that same relentless pressure and power against a highly defensive fighter. Based on their sparring, Benavidez would have a chance.

“It is the same thing. If you can touch somebody in sparring, you can touch somebody in a fight. I sparred him a lot. I hurt him the last time we sparred. I was 22 years old. He had way more experience than I, but I did with the experience that I had. Now, I’m smarter and I’ve become an all-around better fighter,” Benavidez said

A fight against Artur Beterbiev provides the ultimate test of power and durability. Beterbiev is known for his devastating, concussive power and granite chin. Benavidez himself is a heavy-handed fighter, boasting 24 knockouts in 30 wins. Tactically, this fight would be a fan-friendly war where Benavidez could prove his claim of being the division’s biggest threat. And given Beterbiev is 40, now might be a good time to face him.

Benavidez’s willingness to move up to cruiserweight to face “Zurdo” Ramirez further emphasizes his focus on legacy and challenges over simple paydays. If Bivol and Beterbiev continue to avoid him, the move to cruiserweight ensures that Benavidez continues his quest for multiple world titles against another dangerous fighter.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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